Marianne Wilkinson

Do you know someone in Kanata North who’s made a difference in our Community? Nominate them for a community award in appreciation for their contributions. Awards will be given for Youth of the Year, Senior of the Year, a Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year.   Nominations forms can be found at the Ward Office (2500 Campeau), at the Beaverbrook Library depot in the Beaverbrook Mall (2 Beaverbrook Rd) or online.  Submit completed forms to Councillor Wilkinson at the Ward Office (2500 Campeau), by mail 110 Laurier Ave. W, Ottawa ON K1P 1J1, fax 613-580-2514, email Marianne.Wilkinson@ottawa.ca or online. Submissions must be received on or before May 17, 2013.

Sat. May 11 8am-12pm Kanata Seniors Centre Garage Sale. More info.
Sat. May 11 9:00am Volunteers Needed. Tree Planting BMGCA 989 Marconi Ave. More info.
Mon. May 13 7-10pm FCA Ottawa Forests Emerald Ash Borer Expert Panel Discussion. More info.
Wed. May 15 7:30pm BMGCA Meeting re McDonald’s plans, Old Town Hall, 821 March Rd.
Wed. May 15 11:00am Tanger Outlet Mall Sod Turning Event. Palladium Dr. near Huntmar Dr.
Wed. May 22 10:30am-noon Protection Against Fraud and Scams session for seniors. More info.
Mon. June 17 5:30-7:30pm RRCK fundraiser at BigRig Brewery Restaurant.
Tues. June 18 7-9pm Kanata North Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony. More info.
Sun. June 23 Household Hazardous Waste Mobile Depot, 254 Westbrook Rd.

• May 23 6am-4pm the Mlacak Centre will be closed due to construction for the library.
• Time Capsules have arrived! Purchase yours today. More info.
• City of Ottawa wildlife strategy consultation. More info.
• 1st Kanata Scouts Rainbarrel fundraiser. Order yours in advance.  More info.
• My April e-newsletter has been sent. Read here.
• 2013 Canadian Gymnastics Championships being held in Ottawa May 17 – 25. More info.
• April 27 – September 2 O-Train Closure. More info.
• May is Bike Month. More info.
• Young at Art exhibitions until May 10th. More info.
• Cleaning the Capital registration open until May 15. More info.
• April 21 OC Transpo implements new spring service. More info.
• Presto Card update. More info.
• Beaverbrook Library construction update. More info.
• Save on Energy Small Business Challenge. More info.
• Summary of work on Highway 417. More info.
• OC Transpo ParaTranspo wants feedback  on proposed electronic fare payment system. More info.
• Richcraft Recreation Complex Kanata update here.
• Spring & Summer recreation registration. Click here to view the guide.
• Apps4Ottawa goes national. More info.
• Official Plan & Master Transportation Plan. More info.

The City of Ottawa is kicking off the new cycling season by making May Bike Month. Starting today, Bike Month highlights various cycling activities, programs and initiatives – ranging from the Bike to Work Month campaign to cycling training. Continue Reading →

City of Ottawa Forestry Services’ spring planting program is scheduled to begin next week and will run until the end of June. This includes tree planting in parks, at City facilities, and along streets . Where a tree planting is scheduled on City property adjacent to a residence, individual notifications will be provided to the resident in advance of planting.  Residents should also expect to see utility locate flags and paint on the ground prior to planting.  In addition to these trees, the following community tree planting will occur in your ward this spring:

May 11, Briarbrook Brookside Morgans Grant Community Association. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Continue Reading →

The Kanata Legion and MPP MacLaren are holding an information session to inform seniors about how to protect themselves against the latest frauds and scams.  Laurie Fahey from the Ottawa Police will host this session on May 22 from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm at the Legion on 70 Hines Road.

Have you ever been present when a time capsule is opened 50 years after it was placed in a building? Now you can be one of those who fills a small capsule that will be placed in a vault in our new Recreation Complex and opened in 2063! In order to fund items that the City doesn’t provide in our new recreation complex, a number of fund raising initiatives have been undertaken. You can leave something for your children and their descendants by participating in our Time Capsule project. For $20 (cash or cheque) you can purchase your own time capsule (inside dimensions are 90 mm (3.5”) by 55mm (2”) and receive a certificate with the number of your canister to leave for your heirs.

After filling, the capsule can be returned to the following locations:

• Councillor Wilkinson’s Ward office at 2500 Campeau Dr. on Wednesdays and Fridays between 10am and 3pm
• The Beaverbrook Library Depot at 2 Beaverbrook Rd. on Mon-Thurs 10am – 8:30pm, Friday 1pm-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm.

Please Note: NO liquids, rubber, vinyl, wood, food, explosives, ammunition, plant materials or batteries are permitted and items will be verified. We encourage you to wrap your items in tin foil to prevent water and other damages that could be faced while the capsules are stored.

Time Capsules will also be available to purchase the following events:

• May 11th – Kanata Seniors Centre Garage Sale – 2500 Campeau Dr. 8am-NOON
• May 13th – Beaverbrook Mall – 2 Beaverbrook Rd. 3-5pm
• May 27th -Town Hall Meeting – 2500 Campeau Dr. 7-9pm
• June 14th and 28th – Tim Horton’s – 4060 Carling Ave. 7-9am

PAVERS leading to the entrance-way will have your name(s) on them for anyone who donates a minimum of $500 to the project. Details are at http://www.richcraftcomplex.ca.

The City of Ottawa is seeking input from residents on its proposed wildlife strategy before final recommendations are made to Council.  The proposed wildlife strategy aims to prevent and resolve human-wildlife conflicts by taking a balanced and humane approach to wildlife management and includes recommendations for education, outreach, planning and management.

The proposed wildlife strategy was developed in response to an increasing need for consistent and effective responses to human-wildlife conflicts in all areas of the city. Ottawa has a unique wildlife challenge due to its large size and its diverse landscape of urban and rural settlements, farmlands and high-quality natural habitats.

The wildlife strategy recommendations reflect extensive discussions between City staff, residents, wildlife experts and agencies such as the Ministry of Natural Resources and the National Capital Commission.

The strategy will be considered by the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, then City Council.

More information: http://ottawa.ca/en/wildlife-strategy-city-ottawa

O-Train service will be suspended from April 27 until September 2, when ridership levels are lower, for major upgrades in preparation for expanded service in 2014. The project includes two additional siding tracks for passing trains, signal upgrades and station improvements, as well as general maintenance work.

A temporary bus route will replace the O-Train from April 27 to September 2. Route 107 will travel between South Keys and LeBreton Stations, making limited stops along the route. The frequency and hours of operation will be similar to O-Train service. Riders should use the online Travel Planner or call 741-4390 to find the best alternative bus route while the O-Train is not running.

The Presto card system has been approved for a full roll out over the next few months. I have been using the PRESTO fare card and find it easy to use. With a simple tap of a card the system calculates the fare for your trip and deducts it from the balance stored on your card or recognizing that you have a valid pass for that month.

Information and details are available on the OC Transpo website.  Please read the information on Presto carefully once receiving a card and you will soon find it a handy system.  The PRESTO card normally costs $6 which includes insurance for the value if the card is lost.  This year 200,000 free cards will be distributed to start the system.  More info.

Some of Ottawa’s best young artists will be recognized at Young at Art 2013 exhibitions and awards ceremonies to be held at community galleries citywide. Works selected for Young at Art 2013 will be displayed beginning April 24, 2013. Prizes for outstanding work in various categories will be presented at separate awards nights for the east, west and central areas of the city. This year, in honour of the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Chaplain’s first voyage up the Ottawa River, youth artists were encouraged to submit artwork that expresses the theme of “Exploration.”

West – Exhibition
Date: April 24 to May 10, 2013
Location: John Mlacak Centre, 2500 Campeau Drive, Kanata Civic Art Gallery

West – Reception and Awards Night
Date: Sunday, May 5, 2013
Location: John Mlacak Centre, 2500 Campeau Drive, Halls C & D
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.

The Public Works Department and Tim Hortons are pleased to announce that the early bird registration for the annual Spring Cleaning the Capital campaign begins Friday March 15! Participants can register their cleanup projects by calling 3-1-1 or by using the easy online registration form available at ottawa.ca/clean or ottawa.ca/menage.

Key Campaign Dates:
March 15: Registration begins
April 15 to May 15: Spring Cleaning the Capital campaign
April 26 to 28: Capital Cleanup Weekend
May 15: Registration ends
May 31: Deadline to perform cleanup project and submit the online cleanup report

Celebrating 20 years 2013 marks the 20th year of Cleaning the Capital. Established in 1994, Cleaning the Capital combines corporate sponsorship with resident engagement to provide individuals and organizations with an opportunity to contribute to the cleanliness of our city. Since the program’s inception, over 856,000 volunteers have participated in 13,100 cleanup projects throughout the city. As a result, an estimated 1.48M kilograms of waste have been removed from our public spaces by participating individuals, student groups, community associations, businesses, friends and families.

Let’s make 2013, our campaign’s 20th year, our most successful year to date!

Starting Sunday, April 21, OC Transpo will introduce spring service improvements and the return of the Rack & Roll program, with bike racks reinstalled on close to 500 buses.

Check your route for changes!

Spring service highlights include: Continue Reading →

Construction has begun on the parking lot for the Ottawa Public Library’s new West District Library, which will be on the site of the Beaverbrook branch. For this Phase a sidewalk from Campeau will be blocked off and a section of the road leading into the Mlacak Community Centre will be sectioned off with concrete barriers providing access for pedestrians.  Later this month access will be by the door into the arena which will be made accessible.  All activities continue including the Art Gallery, my Ward office and activities within the halls and Senior Centre.

Alternate library services are available at the Library Depot set up in the Beaverbrook Mall and at other local library branches.

For more information about the new West District Library, go to www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca/WDL or contact InfoService at 613-580-2940 or InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.

Previous Update: Continue Reading →

Hydro Ottawa is challenging small businesses to become more energy-efficient.  Hydro Ottawa will help achieve this by offering eligible small businesses a free energy assessment; up to $1,500 in efficient lighting upgrades and/or a free touch screen programmable thermostat.  You can also give me ‘bragging’ rights if Kanata North has the highest percentage of businesses participating.  The contest runs until August 23rd. Details are at hydroottawa.com.

Detailed summary of work on the 417 including Eagleson, Castlefrank Ram East Bound On-Ramp, 417 EBL and WBL, Huntmar and Carp Road Bridges, crossing west of Terry Fox, Crossing east of Castlefrank, Crossing west of Eagleson, culvert under Eagleson Rd/Campeau.  Continue Reading →

Para Transpo staff are in midst of researching and developing a fare management system that will offer customers a convenient, simple and flexible tool to pay for their trips. It will be suitable for use on Para Transpo’s owned and operated mini buses and contracted taxi vehicles. It will also be an accepted fare payment method on conventional transit and will integrate with Para Transpo’s existing scheduling and reservation software.

Para Transpo is reaching out to customers and stakeholders to seek their feedback through a series of facilitated consultation sessions taking place at City Hall. For those who cannot attend a consultation but still want to contribute, OC Transpo is offering opportunities for customers and stakeholders to provide feedback online at octranspo.com, by e-mail, by mail and by fax between May 13 and June 7, 2013. Stakeholder consultation session details are as follows: Continue Reading →

Construction is moving forward on schedule, with an opening expected to be in November this year.  The community group has just launched a website, www.richcraftcomplex.ca where you will be able to find updates on construction and information about the fundraising for the parts of the complex requested by the City.

Two key fundraising initiatives just getting underway are time capsules and commemorative pavers.  The time capsules will be placed in a vault in the complex on opening day. The vault will be reopened in 50 years.  We have on order bamboo containers which you can purchase for $20 each (you can purchase more than one). You can place your mementos in the time capsules for future generations.  These capsules will only be available at particular locations and times. They can only be purchased and filled on site. You will get a numbered certificate for each capsule so your family can find your personal capsule(s) when the vault is opened.

Pavers, with your name or business logo etched into them, are available to any person or business donating a minimum of $500.  Tax receipts will be provided for these donations.  Soon you will be able to make donations through the website.

The City is updating its Official Plans.  You can go to Building a Liveable Ottawa 2031 to fill in a questionnaire or email planning@ottawa.ca by May 17, 2013. When you’re providing your comments, please stress the importance of serving the largest population, and the important employment areas, outside the Greenbelt with light rail.  There seems to be more consideration to going to Orleans before we have any transit connection to the Greenbelt in the west

Previous update: Continue Reading →

A workshop on beavers on April 22nd in Perth will address various aspects of beavers, including their importance to the environment, and how to manage beavers to keep them from flooding roads etc.  Registration is $10 and includes lunch – ensure your lunch by April 15th at aileenmerriam @ gmail.com. To view camera footage taken inside a beaver lodge in Gatineau Park go to http://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/beaverwhisperer

When: Monday 22 April 9:00 – 4:00
Where: Civitan Hall, Perth
6787 County Road 43, east of 3M

Presented by the Stewardship Councils of: Renfrew, Lanark, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington, Hastings

Info 613 335 3589

I will be at Lapointes Restaurant, 60 Colchester Square on April 24th to dine and support research on AIDS.  Perspectives Restaurant at Brookstreet Hotel is also participating. Contact me to join me at my table and help local organizations who are making progress in dealing with AIDS. 25% of your bill will be donated to this cause.

Annual Bike Exchange, Tents, Kayaks, Canoes and Outdoor Gear
Sale: Saturday April 27 8:30-11:00 am Mlacak Arena (2500 Campeau)
Consignment Checkin: Friday April 26th, 7-9 pm, Saturday April 27th, 8-9 am
Unsold items and proceeds pickup: Saturday April 27 11:30-12:00 pm
First come first served. $1 fee plus 20% on consignment.”
All donations appreciated. Proceeds to support Scouting activities.
http://www.1stKanataScouts.org

Meet Sarah Dehler and Holly Bickerton at 9:30 am at the intersection of Klondike Road and Second Line Road to learn about this wonderful conservation forest and how you can support them in keeping invasive plants from taking over.

Come out to a public meeting on Monday, April 15th, to discuss the park that will connect Gray Cr. to Maritime Way.  Click here to see the proposed park plan.  Your input and ideas are welcomed.

When: Monday, April 15, 5:00-6:00 pm
Where: Hall D, Mlacak Centre (2500 Campeau)
Attendees: Councillor Wilkinson, City Staff and Residents.

The City of Ottawa is reaching out to residents this spring in order to improve how staff consults with individuals and groups on important issues. Continue Reading →

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) officially launched the second Photovoice Youth Photography Contest at Holy Trinity Catholic High School. The contest encourages Ottawa residents aged 12 to 19 years to submit photos about health issues that affect youth in their community. Continue Reading →

March 27, 7-9 pm, Hall D, Mlacak Centre, 2500 Campeau. Continue Reading →

Voting open at www.krafthockeygoeson.ca from March 23rd to March 24th at 11:59 pm ET.  Continue Reading →

This is a reminder that the public has until Friday, March 29, 2013 to provide comments to the Ministry on the Review. Continue Reading →

You can view the Power Point presentation from the March 18th Open House here: South March Highlands Blanding’s Turtle Conservation Needs Assessment.

To view or download a copy of the reports visit: Kanata North Environmental Studies | City of Ottawa Continue Reading →